Students Can Become “Career Ready” in One Semester

Here are three startling facts. One: nearly 70% of community college students are employed. Two: the majority want to switch jobs. Three: 60% of these students will not graduate in six years.

Here is how Your Eastern Shore Community College helps students get, advance in, or switch jobs while still in college. We started two programs to prepare students to quickly enter the world of work: Introduction to Workplace Office Professional and Intermediate Workplace Office Professional.

In just three months, a student can earn a Career Studies Certificate that documents for employers the skills the graduate has developed. The Introduction to Workplace Office Professional focuses on skills in computer use, communication, and math.

The Intermediate Workplace Office Professional adds courses in bookkeeping, spreadsheet software, and business management to prepare students for entry-level and second-level jobs in local businesses and organizations.

Both programs include workplace internships. Often interns get hired permanently by the employer they do the internship with.

The Workplace Office Professional programs lead to jobs including administrative assistants, bookkeepers, assistant managers, front desk clerks, and restaurant hosts. Starting wages are typically around $15 per hour.

Students can enroll in these Office Professional programs now. Classes begin in October. To get started, stop by the campus Monday – Thursday, 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. or Friday, 8:00 – 11:00 a.m. or contact us at studentservices@es.vccs.edu or 789-1720.